GLENDALE, Calif. (September 30, 2015) – Disney Publishing Worldwide and Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today that the fourth annual Star Wars Reads Day on October 10, 2015 will celebrate reading with events across the globe. The force of reading will be strong at thousands of regional and international storytelling events featuring a host of exciting literary programming for Star Wars fans of all ages as they gear up for the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 18, 2015.

Participants in this year’s events include top publishers around the world, including Disney, Marvel, DK Books, Scholastic, Abrams, Chronicle Books, Del Rey, Quirk Books, Workman, Egmont, Studio Fun, Phoenix International Publishing, and many more. The robust line-up of events will feature Star Wars-themed games and activities, various author-related signings, meet-and-greets, panels, and readings at bookstores, libraries and other venues across the country in an effort to promote literacy and unite fans of the iconic franchise.

Since the inaugural Star Wars Reads Day in 2012, there have been more than 2,500 events encouraging fans to read the films’ timeless stories, but for the first time, this year’s festivities will also feature titles from the recently released “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens” initiative, which includes more than 20 print and digital books and comics for readers of all ages.

“We are thrilled to be working so closely with Lucasfilm and our publishing partners in planning this year’s Star Wars Reads Day” said Jeanne Mosure, senior vice president and group publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “The growth of this initiative globally is a true testament to the force of the Star Wars franchise and the importance of reading.”

This year, thousands of events will take place in cities around the world on October 10, 2015, including:

AUSTRALIA:

· Dymocks, Melbourne (1:00 – 4:30PM): The event includes activities, competitions, readings, and books. Visit the Dymocks Facebook event page for more information.
· Books Kinokuniya, Sydney (1:00 – 3:30PM): Live book readings, fun activities, and a Star Wars Reads Day activity area will be open all day in the children’s department.
· Where the Wild Things Are, Brisbane (12 – 3:30PM): This event includes a reading with Trent Jamieson (author of the Death Works series) and Star Wars-themed activities.

CANADA, BRITISH COLUMBIA:

· Black Bond Books, British Columbia (2:30PM): Fans get a behind-the-scenes look include the making of Star Wars Epic Yarns with author, Holman Wang, and find out how the author created characters, built sets, and produced special effects.

· Frankfurt Book Fair (October 14 – 18): DK will host a Star Wars Reads Day event for kids complete with characters, activities, and readings. Check book fair website for more information.
· Over 200 retailers across the country will be hosting events. Check local listings for details.

ITALY:

· Giunti-owned Bookstores: Local events in over 200 Giunti-owned bookstores across the country. Check local listings for details.

JAPAN:

· Books stores across Japan will be holding book signings. Check local listings for details.

SOUTH AFRICA:

· Exclusive Books Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (10:30AM): This Star Wars Reads Day event is complete with themed-activities, a photo booth, story time with familiar characters and more.
· Exclusive Books Westville Mall, Durban (10:30AM): This Star Wars Reads Day event is complete with themed-activities, a photo booth, story time with familiar characters and more.
· Exclusive Books Cavendish, Cape Town (10:30AM): This Star Wars Reads Day event is complete with themed-activities, a photo booth, story time with familiar characters and more.